The consummation of 67 years of pioneering sound research at our JBL labs, the Studio 230 incorporates bold technologies like a High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide and a 1” CMMD Lite high-frequency driver into its design. Together, these advances let you experience your sound cinematically – in all its precision imaging, detail, natural balance, and full spectrum mastery.

Visually striking 21st century design features that can’t fail to seduce

The JBL way is to make it look as good as it sounds. And with the Studio 230, we’ve made no exception. With its 21st century elegance – one that incorporates soft-rounded edges, black gloss paneling, and soft-touch paint – we’ve built something to seduce the eye as much as the ear.

6.5” PolyPlas driver delivers unrivaled purity, power, and realism

We have years of JBL acoustic testing under our belt. With its 6.5” PolyPlas front-firing driver delivering unrivaled midrange accuracy and power, we’ll let a masterpiece speak for itself.

The consummation of 67 years of pioneering sound research at our JBL labs, the Studio 230 incorporates bold technologies like a High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide and a 1” CMMD Lite high-frequency driver into its design. Together, these advances let you experience your sound cinematically – in all its precision imaging, detail, natural balance, and full spectrum mastery.

Visually striking 21st century design features that can’t fail to seduce

The JBL way is to make it look as good as it sounds. And with the Studio 230, we’ve made no exception. With its 21st century elegance – one that incorporates soft-rounded edges, black gloss paneling, and soft-touch paint – we’ve built something to seduce the eye as much as the ear.

Sonic dynastyfused with high-tech destiny

Place a new kind of legend on your bookshelf
We admit it: we’ve made a loudspeaker that wouldn’t have been possible in another time and place. But so what? We’re in this business to break all the rules of impossible. Meet the new legend in town: the JBL® Studio 230 bookshelf speaker. As part of the new 10-piece JBL Studio 2 loudspeaker series, the Studio 230 was built to speak the languages of both legacy sound and forward-thinking technology. Tested relentlessly in the world’s most advanced sound research lab – our own – as well as pitted against competitors in real world comparative listening studies, we aimed this one for the fences. We constructed a front-firing 6.5” PolyPlas midrange speaker and a rear-firing Slipstream bass port to envelope your senses in tight, powerful bass. Others might have relaxed and called it a day – but that’s not how we do it at JBL.
We took further cues from our work designing the world’s most legendary recording studios, and gave our Studio 230 the kind of tech that makes for premium cinema listening: a 1” CMMD® Lite high-frequency driver that ensures low-distortion, and a High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide design that offers pinpoint sound imaging and firm natural balance. Then we topped it off with seductive features like gloss black paneling, soft rounded edges, and your choice of either Black or Espresso woodgrain finish.
We combined the power and precision of high-tech audio with the sleek urbanity of “it-factor” design. For those able to hear the truth, we’re confident you’ll hear it –full volume – upon first listen.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Adrockon from
Superb clarity and value for moneyI heard the KEF Q350 and B&W's, Klipsch Reference, all in book shelf size. The JBL's not only sounded clearer and more detailed than all of them but also had some nice bass to back the sound up. I got them on sale and they were less than half the price of the others so not only are they the best all rounder but on sale were a no brainer. I also like the 150 watt rating so you can crank them a little if you like.
With acoustic and voice based music along with WELL recorded electronic, ambient, these are SUPERB. I have found as expected older recordings and heavier rock (Soundgarden, Screaming Trees ) they tend to reveal any flaws in the mix. Not that its any deal breaker but the great rock albums sound better on my towers (Paradigm Studio reference 60's)and of course size accounts for that.
These JBL's also really shine with movies, I'm hearing clarity of vocals I didn't even hear with the towers, which are nearly ten times the price, yes the JBL's are that good.

Date published: 2018-06-12

Rated 5 out of
5 by
birdlegs from
very good!I was looking for a pair of speakers to replace my old speakers that gave me some listening fatigue. I bought these studio 230s about 2 weeks ago and the sound is just amazing, I feel like ware ever Im sitting in my livingroom Im in the sweet spot.

Date published: 2018-03-18

Rated 5 out of
5 by
SLee from
Really great sound that is easy to power. they will make your neighbors hate you =)

Date published: 2018-02-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Artemidius from
Super soundGreat sound I've ever heard from shelf speakers. Really the best

Date published: 2018-02-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
HTFan from
It's what the Pro's Use !As a veteran Recording Artist I can say this...
Studio 230's are "true studio monitors".
Moreover, every commercial Cinema uses horn loaded
speakers for the mains & surrounds.
These are horn loaded speakers.
Is it any wonder that your local Cinema has
JBL horn loaded 2 way speakers as surrounds
hung along the sides & rear walls?
Now, we can too.
If budget allows?
7 of these puppies used in a 7.1 surround setup
in your home, would be unbeatable!
Especially if, you were to add a "worthy" sub-woofer to the mix.
Studio 230's truly are 1 of the greatest 2 way speakers ever made
for under $500.
~ peace

I am using the studio 230 as left and right surround speakers, at what height should these speakers be?. The manual says that the tweeters should be ear level and also says that if you use as surrounds they must be 1.5m - 1.8 from the floor.

Asked by: Vijen

Dolby Labs says the surround speakers should be a minimum of 2 to 3 feet
above the listening area.

Answered by: HTFan

Date published: 2018-05-23

I had mind set on the Arena 130 but after reading all the positive reviews on the Studio 230 I&rsquo;m considering changing my mind. Is there a huge difference in the sound quality between the two?

Asked by: Trap

The ARENA 130 is a great speaker that can handle an awful lot of power, up to 125 watts, and it sounds great. However, there is no arguing that the STUDIO 230 is a higher quality speakers. It can handle up to 150 watts of power and is made of higher quality components (woofer, tweeter, crossover).
My personal opinion is, I like the sound of the STUDIO 230 a bit better. It has a more natural, full-range sound, to my ears.

Answered by: Joe G at Customer Service

Date published: 2018-05-06

I have studio 190 speakers. Can i use studio 230 and 235c with studio 190 speakers. Thanks.

Asked by: Serkanonde

While it is ideal to get something from the same STUDIO 1 series, the STUDIO 230 and 235C will work beautifully with your STUDIO 190 floor-standing speakers.

Hi
Even though we cannot and do not recommend using banana plugs, it is possible to use them with the Studio series speakers. Remember to remove the plastic red and black inserts in the speaker inputs before attempting to plug in banana plugs.

Answered by: Kay Harman

Date published: 2018-10-15

Can these speakers be placed horizontal on a bookshelf instead of vertical as designed? It looks like the feet are not attached and could placed on the long side okay for a horizontal placement. Would placing on the side influence the sound in any way?

Asked by: KW3416

There would be little to no difference if you place the speaker sideways. Feel free to place the speaker however you want it to and make sure that there would be space to breathe at the back where the connectors are located.